Deinonychus' torturous brand of dark metal is most disconcerting . . and that's a good thing. Deinonychus has never been a favorite at parties, regardless Herr Kehren can write good, nonstandard metal. Guitars drone, switching nonchalantly between dismal chord choices while he wails painfully over it all. Damned gothic vocals appear once in a while, but mercifully not often. Keys are present, but are not used as lead instruments. Production is clear, a bit thin, and vague enough for the music to feel mysterious and organic. Bethlehem is praised in the liner notes and Deinonuchus' aesthetic is similar to theirs, but the music isn't.

© 2000 j. mcintyre